10) ‘Life in the Fast Lane’

From: ‘Hotel California’ (1976)

With Bernie Leadon leaving and the legendary Joe Walsh arriving, we aren’t surprised to see that the Eagles embraced a more direct rock edge to their music. This song, with its sharp, precise guitar intro, brought a slight changing of the guard that saw the group moving away from some of their country tendencies.

9) ‘Already Gone’

From: ‘On the Border’ (1974)

As you may or may not know, only a handful of hits were not written by any member of The Eagles.

“Just remember this my girl when you look up in the sky / You can see the stars but still not see the light” is honestly one of our favorite direct lines. No other moment on this album arguably captures guitarist Don Felder’s debut as an Eagle so powerfully.

8) ‘The Long Run’

From: ‘The Long Run’ (1979)

Even though the Eagles’ last studio effort of the ’70’s didn’t hit as much of a blockbuster status than ‘Hotel California’, it still had a lot of bright spots. Don Henley took on lead vocals of this song. He had been one of the group’s most reliable songwriters when it came to some of their biggest hits. He also grabbed nine co-writing credits on this record.

7) ‘Desperado’

From: ‘Desperado’ (1973)

The centerpiece to the Eagles’ 1973 record of the same name. It’s important to note that this sweeping ballad was never formally released as a single. With the song’s majestic strings and a truly superb vocal performance by Don Henley, there’s no doubt that it remains a favorite of Eagles fans to this day.

6) ‘Heartache Tonight’

From: ‘The Long Run’ (1979)

When you hear the opening line of “Somebody’s gonna hurt someone before the night is through/Somebody’s gonna come undone there’s nothin’ we can do” to this 1979 Eagles hit, one has to wonder whether the Eagles sensed the end was nigh.

5) ‘Best of My Love’

From: ‘On the Border’ (1974)

This song serves up as a mirror to what should have been. With Don Henley sharing his optimistic viewpoint of what the future of parties would be like. This song would give the Eagles their first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Charts in 1975.

4) ‘Lyin’ Eyes’

From: ‘One of These Nights’ (1975)

Who knew that deception and cheating (or writing about it, at the very least) could be such a rewarding experience?

This is one of the Top 10 Eagles Songs that won the group the 1975 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group.

3) ‘Take It to the Limit’

From: ‘One of These Nights’ (1975)

While a lot of people will argue that their vocal harmonies were always the main reason for the Eagles’ success, they have proven that their vocals were simply another key in their arsenal when it comes to being one of the best bands of all time. This song shows just how incredible they were at blending their voices together in a way no one else could do.

2) ‘Take It Easy’

From: ‘Eagles’ (1972)

The debut single of the Eagles’ was just incredible. It was written by Jackson Browne with a little help from Glenn Frey, the song was an immediate hit and gave us a glance into what the group would grow into.

This hit has sold an astonishing 29 million copies in the U.S. alone.

1) ‘Hotel California’

From: ‘Hotel California’ (1976)

Does it surprise you that we’re listing Hotel California as the #1 song on our Top 10 Eagles Songs list? Nope.

No other track has brought in more Eagles’ fans than Hotel California. This song would go on to win the 1977 Grammy Award for Record of the Year. Rock radio stations all over the world still play this song and for good reason.

What did you think of our Top 10 Eagles Songs list?

There was a very unfortunate event this past weekend at the So What Music Festival.

It’s pretty common to hear about band’s losing gear or having their trailer stolen, but it’s not everyday that you hear about a band losing their van and all of their gear at the same time.

“THE THIEVES TOOK EVERYTHING WE WORKED OUR WHOLE LIVES FOR. NO VAN. NO TRAILER.”

This is what happened to ‘Convictions’ who woke up to their worst nightmare being a reality.

The band has already filed a police report, but their estimated losses are huge. [In excess of thirty thousand dollars] Due to the actions of the person(s) who took everything from them, the band is on the verge of giving up their dream completely.

Here’s the full statement from the band about this horrible incident:

As I’m sure most of you know, today we lost everything. I (Josh) am holding back tears writing this. Our van and…

7) American Idol

The show American Idol is hugely popular with a wide demographic, from Generation Z through baby boomers.

And even though the performers are usually Millenials, they still embrace classic rock, frequently crooning The Rolling Stones or Queen for their international audience.

6) Video Games

The popular video game “Guitar Hero” re-introduced thousands of young players to the majesty that is classic rock. Kids as young as 6 or 7 can now imagine they are rocking a guitar with licks from Aerosmith and The Outlaws.

Bonus: their parents don’t mind listening once they nail the song.

5) Marijuana Legalization

The recent legalization of marijuana for medicinal use in many states has opened up a legal pathway for many former hippies to relive the days they barely remember from the 60’s and 70’s.

Now that it’s legal to treat yourself for ailments from glaucoma to depression with pot, it’s only appropriate to put on some Jefferson Airplane or Led Zeppelin to accompany your high.

4) Gray haired Spinning Teachers

Classic rock is a seriously good motivator for your workout, and chances are the coach at your local gym uses it to help you burn off some calories.

A playlist packed with hits from the 60’s and 70’s will definitely help you pass the time as you get in shape.

3) You’re on a road trip.

In the 60’s and 70’s, taking a joyride or a road trip was a rite of passage for any young person. Of course, back then they only had to turn on the radio to pump up songs from Steppenwolf or The Who.

Nowadays you can just flip to “Born to be Wild” on your I-pod to channel that vintage feeling of freedom.

2) Great Relationships with Parents

The Millennium generation is more connected and closer to their parents than prior generations were, with more empathy going both directions in their relationships.

It could be the decline of corporal punishment or the ability of the Baby Boomers to relate to their children, but kids and young people nowadays actually think their parents are kind of cool and enjoy the music of their generation.

1) Baby Boomers Program the Radio Stations

Baby Boomers are successful and they control what you listen to. Whether programming radio stations, producing television advertisements, or DJing their kids birthday parties, you can count on them pumping up the volume on some classic rock every time.

In no particular order, here are thirty of the most influential figures in rock music.

30) Chuck Berry

A pioneer of early rock, Chuck Berry developed rhythm and blues into an accessible rock and roll. His style has influenced countless musicians.

He had several hits in the 60’s and was one of the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.

29)Syd Barrett

Syd Barrett is credited with naming the band Pink Floyd and was the lead singer, guitarist and principal songwriter for that band.

He experimented with techniques with the guitar that like distortion and feedback that influenced David Bowie and Brian Eno.

28) Trent Reznor

Trent Reznor is best known for his work in the industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails.

He’s transcended mediums writing scores for counterculture classic films, and was described by Spin magazine as “the most vital artist in music.”

27) Grace Slick

Grace Slick was the lead singer of the 1960’s rock band Jefferson Airplane. She’s best known for the song “White Rabbit” which incited reflections upon hallucinations and was a hit in the psychedelic rock scene of the SF Bay Area and beyond.

26) George Martin

While it’s true that George Martin was not the only person ever called “The Fifth Beatle,” his influence on the Beatles is undeniable.

He produced every Beatles record except for *Let it Be*, and added the famous string arrangement in “Eleanor Rigby.”

25) Brian Wilson

Brian Wilson was the lead singer and co-founder of the Beach Boys. He co-wrote more than twenty-five Top 40 hits for the group, and composed *Pet Sounds*, which is considered one of the greatest rock albums ever made. His unorthodox approach to recording and arrangement has garnered him acclaim from critics and musicians.

24) Lou Reed

Lou Reed was the frontman for the Velvet Underground prior to his solo career. Although first cited a commercial failure, that group went on to gain a cult following and become one of the most widely influential bands of the 1960’s. His biggest solo hit was “Walk on the Wild Side.”

23) Patti Smith

Patti Smith paved the way for punk rock with her highly influential debut album *Horses.*

Her song “Because the Night,” reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978.

She’s been listed as an influence by artists such as Michael Stipe, Shirley Manson, and The Smiths.

22) Muddy Waters

Muddy Waters was an American blues musician often called “the father of the blues.”

Rock musicians such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, and Led Zeppelin not only covered his songs but called him one of their biggest influences.

21) Slash

Saul Hudson, or Slash, was the lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses. He achieved worldwide success with that group then went on to form Snake’s Snakepit, then co-founded Velvet Revolver. As a guitarist he has achieved worldwide recognition.

20) Bono

Bono was born Paul David Hewson. He’s won many awards with U2 including 22 Grammy Awards and has employed several rock alter-egos, including “The Fly.”

In November 2008, Rolling Stone Magazine named Bono the “32nd greatest singer of all time.”

19) Morrissey

Morrissey rose to fame with the lead singer and writer of the Smiths.

The Smiths have been called “the most important alternative rock band to emerge from Britain in the 1980’s.” In his solo career, Morrissey has made the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart on ten occasions.

18) Debbie Harry

Debbie Harry is better known the lead singer of the punk rock/new wave band Blondie. During the 1970’s and 1980’s she recorded several worldwide number hits and quickly became a punk icon.

17) Jimmy Page

Jimmy Page became a household name for his work as the guitarist and founder of Led Zeppelin. Guitarists Johnny Ramone, Brian May, Tim Scholz, and Eddie Van Halen have all called Page to be a significant influence to their music.

16) Robert Smith

Robert Smith is the lead singer and principal songwriter of the The Cure. As a rock icon, he’s made a career based upon his stage look as well as his new wave guitar techniques.

He is cited as being a major inspiration to filmmaker Tim Burton.

15) Pat Benatar

Pat Benatar achieved massive commercial success within America and Canada with 15 Top 40 singles and five certified Platinum albums.

She was one most heavily played artists on MTV and the first female artist to have a video run on that station.

14) Joan Jett

Their single “I Love Rock and Roll” was number 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for nearly 3 months, and was called the Queen of Rock and Roll and the Godmother of Punk.

13) Janis Joplin

Janis Joplin was the lead singer of a several psychedelic rock bands in the 1960’s. As a solo artist Joplin rose to fame after her performance at the Monterey Pop Festival.

She remains one of the top-selling musicians in the U.S. to present day.

12) Stevie Nicks

Best known as the lead singer from Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks has sold more than 140 million albums. She’s been coined “The Reigning Queen of Rock and Roll,” and influenced artists from Sheryl Crow to Courtney Love.

11) Michael Stipe

Michael Stipe was the lead singer of the rock band R.E.M. He formulated not only their lyrics but also their visual image. Though all members of R.E.M. had equal recognition for songwriting, Stipe apparently devised the majority of their hits.

10) Iggy Pop

Iggy Pop is the vocalist of The Stooges. He’s been able to transcend multiple genres within rock from new wave to blues, with multiple hits including “Lust for Life,” and “I Wanna Be Your Dog.”

9) Martin Gore

Martin Gore is the founder and chief songwriter for Depeche Mode. Within his 40 year career, he’s composed hits like “Personal Jesus,” and received the Igor Novello award for International Achievement.

8) Kurt Cobain

The front-man of Nirvana, Kurt Cobain was the face of the grunge rock movement in popular culture.

He grew up feeling haunted by his parent’s divorce and was “the spokesman of a generation” of youth that felt alienated in the loss of a traditional family unit. Cobain found international success with Nirvana, who have to date sold over 75 million albums worldwide.

7) Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was a rock guitarist who had a short commercial career but created a lasting legacy.

He is known as one of the most influential electric guitarists in rock music history; coined “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.”

6) Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison is iconic for his style and lyricism as the frontman of The Doors. He bridged poetry and rock and became a counter-culture icon.

He is said to have influenced Iggy Pop, Layne Stanley, and Scott Weiland to name a few.

5) Eddie Van Halen

Eddie Van Halen is known for his work as the lead guitarist and co-founder of the hard rock band Van Halen. His work as a guitarist incorporates several percussive techniques such as two-handed tapping and tremolo picking.He has been reported to have greatly influenced Brian May from Queen.

4) Frank Black

Frank Black is the frontman of the Pixies and also has had a successful solo career. His distinctive vocal style and cryptic lyrics frequently reference the bible and surrealism and have influenced artists such as Thom Yorke and Kurt Cobain.

3) David Bowie

David Bowie was an active and innovative contributor to rock for more than five decades.

His record sales are estimated at more than 140 million worldwide, but even more staggering was his ability to drift between different alter-egos and genres of rock, from glam-rock, to experimental-rock, to pop-rock.

2) Neil Young

Neil Young co-founded the bands Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, & Nash before beginning an acclaimed solo career that has spanned over 45 years. His characteristic style has influenced styles from alternative rock to folk.

1) John Lennon

John Lennon was one of the co-founders of the Beatles.

After three years of playing clubs throughout Liverpool and Hamburg they were introduced to the world as the “fab four,” thus beginning the phenomenon known as “Beatlemania.” His solo career was met with critical acclaim and tempered with his devotion to social change.

Joan Jett pays tribute to the Who, who are in the midst of their 50th anniversary tour. Theo Wargo/Getty, King Collection/Photoshot/Getty Images

We came across this article about Joan Jett and just had to share it once we saw this!

The Who are currently trekking across North America on their “The Who Hits 50!” tour, which Roger Daltrey has described as the beginning of the group’s “long goodbye.” The band has influenced countless musicians who have followed in its footsteps, including Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Joan Jett, who shares her love for the Who below.

I first heard the Who on FM radio as a kid. “Powerful” would be the first word to come to mind to describe their music. Pete Townshend was definitely one of the guys that made me want to play guitar. I wanted to make those sounds, and I asked my parents for an electric guitar for Christmas and they actually got it for me. So I was able to sit around my room and play the simpler songs like “My Generation” and some “Won’t Get Fooled Again.”

We’ve gone onstage to “Won’t Get Fooled Again” in the past. I think one key that song hit on for me personally was the underdog thing – of people pulling one over on you, and how that’s not going to happen again. And you know, “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss” – you have to live a little bit of life before you know that that’s a truism. Words like that are very powerful-feeling, and I think it really resonates inside and helps me warm up vocals to sing and scream. But we could’ve easily gone on to a lot of different songs of theirs. The era around “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is locked in my brain, but I love things on the Tommy album. “See Me, Feel Me, Touch Me,” all that stuff, I think it’s beautiful, beautiful music.